The Garberville Sanitary District uses shallow lagoons to treat its wastewater.
Treatment is accomplished by several naturally occurring processes. Different bacteria break down the solid waste to more stable compounds. Algae use the nitrogen and phosphorous to grow, releasing carbon dioxide and oxygen into the atmosphere.

Properly maintained treatment lagoons are very effective in the treatment of wastewater.
Treatment lagoons not only treat wastewater, but provide habitat for numerous forms of wildlife: Deer, fox and signs of pigs and bears have been observed at the treatment plant. Numerous birds make the lagoons their home. Others use them as a stopover during migration. Amphibians are also among those that call the lagoons home.